[BwayDems] E-News - Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito - December 2010

[Taranto, Joseph]

December 2010

 

Inside this Newsletter:

*	Keep Up With Our Work Online
*	Recent News and Events
*	Updates on Legislation
*	Opportunities 
*	Upcoming Events
*	Getting Involved
*	District Office Information

 

Keep Up With Our Work Online

 

Subscribe to Our Blog: http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com <https://webmail.council.nyc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://newsfrommelissa.wordpress.com> 

Become a Fan on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/mmvfb <https://webmail.council.nyc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://tinyurl.com/mmvfb> 

Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MMViverito  

Watch the Latest on Our Video Channel: http://mmv.vodspot.tv <https://webmail.council.nyc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mmv.vodspot.tv/>  

Visit our Parks Committee Blog: http://parksnyc.wordpress.com <http://parksnyc.wordpress.com/>  

 

Encourage your friends and neighbors to subscribe to our listserv by completing our new online form: http://tinyurl.com/mmvsubcribe <https://webmail.council.nyc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://tinyurl.com/mmvsubcribe> 

 

 

A Message from Melissa

 

As we approach the end of 2010, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your interest in following the work of my office.  It has been a challenging yet exciting year, both locally and citywide.  Among the many highlights for me have been my new leadership roles within the Progressive Caucus and the Parks Committee, the establishment of our blog and other online tools to keep my constituents informed, the introduction of office hours on the West Side and in the Bronx and the launching of the Youth Violence Task Force.  Looking ahead to 2011, I know that we will continue to face many difficult issues, as the economy remains in recession and as we see violence on the rise in El Barrio/East Harlem.  However, I will continue in my efforts to be both proactive and transparent in the way in which I represent District 8.  My staff and I wish each and every one of you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

 

Recent News and Events

 

Local Restaurants in East Harlem Hold First Annual Restaurant Week and Second Annual Taste Trolley

 

In an effort to continue to promote our wonderful culinary options in El Barrio/East Harlem, local restaurants have organized the First Annual Restaurant Week from December 6th to December 10th.  Special pre-fixe menus will be offered throughout the week at some of our finest restaurants.  For more information on specific locations and menu options, please visit http://eastharlempresents.org/offers_company.php?cat=5.  The Restaurant Week will culminate on Friday, December 10th with the Second Annual Taste of East Harlem Trolley, which takes participants on a tour of restaurants throughout the neighborhood.  The trolley will be picking up passengers beginning at 3:00 p.m. at East River Plaza, and will continue throughout the evening.  It will also be picking up interested individuals from the corner of E. 106th Street and Third Avenue following the East Harlem Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.  For more information on the Taste Trolley, visit http://eastharlempresents.org <http://eastharlempresents.org/> .

 

Melissa Stands in Support of Protected Bike Lanes in El Barrio/East Harlem

 

Melissa recently stood with cyclists and elected officials in support of extending protected bike lanes on 1st and 2nd Avenues beyond 34th Street, where they currently end.  While El Barrio/East Harlem has seen the addition of some bike lanes, they are not designed to provide the maximum protection for bikers, pedestrians and motorists as they are below 34th Street.  They are also in poor and unsafe conditions in many locations.  Our office will continue to work with Transportation Alternatives and other advocates to fight for equity in these important transportation improvements.

 

Statement Regarding JHL's Community Forum & the Health & Human Services Committee Resolution

 

"Last month, we announced that an open community forum to be held by JHL had been tentatively scheduled for the month of November.  Unfortunately, this meeting was subsequently postponed by JHL, who informed us that they would come before the community in the coming weeks. We will keep the community informed as to when this forum will be held.  On Tuesday evening, the Community Board discussed a resolution by the Health & Human Services Committee that calls for a public hearing on the change in JHL's application to the New York State Department of Health. I stand in complete support of this resolution. As I have previously reported, I have sent a letter to the State Hospital Review and Planning Council (SHRPC) calling for public hearings. I share the belief with many community members that the differences between JHL's original and more recent plans are more than substantial enough to warrant public hearings, where the community's voice can be considered in the decision making process."

 

Council Holds Hearing on Mid-Year Cuts

 

The City Council held a hearing this week to discuss the mid-year budget cuts that have been proposed by the Bloomberg administration. The City is currently facing a $2.4 billion deficit

going into the Fiscal Year 2012, and is proposing $585 million in cuts for the current fiscal year, including everything from reductions in case management services for the elderly, layoffs for Administration for Children's Services (ACS) employees, and cuts to the runaway and homeless youth program. The Council will fight for restorations to key areas, and has proposedalternative cuts that could preserve some of these essential services. The Progressive Caucus is also planning to respond to the proposed budget cuts in the coming weeks.  Visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-tJ for more information on the hearing.

 

Proposed Upper West Success Academy in District 3

 

On Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 SUNY held its vote to approve the Success Academy's application for a new school in District 3. Our office was represented at this meeting and we submitted a letter opposing the approval of this application. We are aware that the placement of the Success Academy has still not been solidified and I stand together with the parents of District 3 in opposing the success Academy's co-location in any of our public school buildings. Our office had attended a number of CEC3 meetings and from the testimony of countless parents, teachers, and advocates it is clear that space in our public school buildings is scarce and can be utilized to alleviate the current overcrowding that plagues District 3. We will be working diligently with the CEC and other advocates in District 3 to oppose co-locating the Success Academy in any of our public school buildings. Additionally, I support the proposal to move West Prep Academy into the PS 145 building. West Prep Academy has been lacking a home and the proposal of this placement iswelcomed news.

 

Hundreds Rally for the DREAM Act and Family Unity in Brooklyn

 

On Sunday, November 21st, hundreds of immigrants and supporters gathered inside a church in Bushwick to rally for the passage of the DREAM Act and other policies which will keep immigrant families united and stem the tide of deportations.  Melissa emceed the event, and was joined by a number of speakers, including Congressman Luis Gutierrez, who came in from Chicago for the event and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.  The event focused on several important policy reforms to our immigration enforcement system, at the local, state and federal levels, as well as the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented students who have lived in the country for five years or longer, have graduated high school and complete two years of college or military service.  Other proposed reforms included restricting the City's collaboration with ICE at Rikers Island, rescinding the Secure Communities agreement at the State level and pushing the Obama administration for a moratorium on unjust deportations.  

 

Council Holds Hearing on City's Collaboration with ICE in Correctional Facilities

 

The City Council held a hearing last month on the collaboration between the NYC Department of Corrections  <http://www.nyc.gov/html/doc/html/home/home.shtml> (DOC) and ICE <http://www.ice.gov/> , which allows federal immigration officers to operate on Rikers Island, funneling thousands of immigrants into the deportation system each year.  A young man from El Barrio/East Harlem named Luis shared his story at the hearing.  Luis had been wrongfully arrested for murder and was interviewed by ICE which placed a detainer on him, even though he had no criminal record. Once the charges were dropped, he was sent to a detention center far away from his family, and deportation proceedings were initiated.  His case is currently on hold, but he may ultimately still face deportation (Melissa has submitted a letter on his behalf to ICE).  Melissa is currently seeking to introduce legislation that will require DOC to exercise greater discretion over the information sharing with ICE and the honoring of detainers.   

 

Melissa Stands with Electeds in Opposition to the Appointment of Cathie Black as Schools Chancellor

 

Melissa joined Council Members and State electeds last month in opposing Mayor Bloomberg's appointment of Cathie Black <http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/09/klein-steps-down-as-schools-chancellor-to-be-replaced-by-cathie-black-publisher/>  to replace Joel Klein as the new Chancellor of NYC public schools, participating in a press conference and signing on to several letters and a resolution.  Ms. Black was recently granted a waiver by David Steiner, the State Education Commissioner, after the Mayor agreed to appoint a chief academic advisor to assist her in her new role.  

 

Melissa Honors the Elmendorf Reformed Church for its 350th Anniversary

 

Melissa presented a proclamation last week to the Elmendorf Reformed Church on the occasion of its 350th anniversary.  The church first opened in East Harlem in the year 1660 and has went on to evolve and serve our current community.  Under the leadership of Dr. Reverend Patricia Singletary, the church has been working with the Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force, an effort coordinated with our office, that will seek to preserve this important history.  Photos are available at http://wp.me/pJ9TG-tQ.  

 

Puerto Rican and Latino Leaders Rally in Response to Study Pointing to Puerto Rican Youth as Most Disadvantaged Group in NYC

 

Melissa joined other Puerto Rican community leaders and activists last month in demanding an aggressive response to recent findings in a Community Service Society (CSS) study <http://www.cssny.org/userimages/downloads/LatinoYouthinNYCOct2010.pdf>  that Puerto Rican youth are the most disadvantaged group in New York City.  Among the statistics presented by the report, nearly 25% of Puerto Rican young men are "disconnected," meaning that they are neither in school nor employed.  The organizers of the press conference called for a unified strategy among government officials, nonprofit organizations and the Puerto Rican community at large to reduce these disparities.  Proposals have included increasing the allocation of public dollars for organizations serving Puerto Rican youth, and creating expanded opportunities for young people to be placed in leadership positions within community groups to help inform the decisions made and services provided by those organizations.  We are currently following up with CSS and other leaders to help develop that strategy.

 

Civitas Looking for Feedback on New Select Bus Service on 1st and 2nd Avenues

 

Civitas is currently conducting a survey of local residents to learn their thoughts on the new Select Bus Service which has begun on 1st and 2nd Avenues.  To participate in the survey, please visit http://bit.ly/SurveySBS <http://bit.ly/SurveySBS> .  Hard copies of surveys are also available by contacting info at civitasnyc.org <http://info@civitasnyc.org/> .

 

 

Updates on Legislation

 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­City Council Adopts Resolution in Support of the Wage Theft Prevention Act

 

The City Council passed a resolution <http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=664309&GUID=BB45BD7D-D545-49DB-AD17-7BAABB6D8A5F&Options=&Search=>  sponsored by Melissa that calls on the State Legislature and the Governor to make the Wage Theft Prevention Act state law.  Last week, the Legislature passed the Act and the Governor is expected to sign it before the end of the year.  This new law will put stiffer penalties in place for employers that refuse to pay their workers the minimum wage and overtime.  A recent study by the National Employment Law Project (NELP) has indicated that two-thirds of low-wage workers are not currently paid overtime when they exceed 40 hours, and a quarter are not even paid minimum wage.  All together, NYC low-wage workers lose $1 billion per year as a result of wage theft.  

 

Updates on the Prevailing and Living Wage Bills

 

The fight is continuing for two bills that will require higher wage standards on City-funded economic development projects.  The first, sponsored by Melissa, would require that the prevailing wage be paid to building service workers in buildings receiving City subsidies or where the City rents space.  The second measure, the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, would require living wages for all workers at economic development projects.  A recent study by the Center for American Progress (CAP) found that these policies do not reduce employment levels or negatively impact low-income workers, as is often cited by the opposition.  For more information on this study and a response from the Progressive Caucus, visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-te.  

 

Opportunities

 

Discounted Holiday Train Show Tickets Available from the NY Botanical Garden

 

The New York Botanical Garden is currently offering a 50% discount for weekday tickets to their Holiday Train Show for the Bronx and surrounding communities.  This special will run until December 17th and tickets are subject to availability.  Tickets must be bought on site at the Garden or by phone at 718-817-8716 (Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and use the code "NEIGHBORS."  The New York Botanical Garden is located in the Bronx and can be reached by taking the 4, B or D trains to the Bedford Park Blvd station.  For more information, visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-tz.  

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

District 8 Youth Council
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Where: District Office

For more information: Contact Elsie Encarnacion at 212-828-9800

 

El Barrio/East Harlem Restaurant Week

When: December 6th through December 10th 

Where: See http://eastharlempresents.org/offers_company.php?cat=5 for information on participating locations

 

Taste of East Harlem Trolley

When: December 10th , 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Trolley begins picking up passengers at East River Plaza and will also pick up passengers following the East Harlem Holiday Tree Lighting on 106th Street and 3rd Avenue

 

El Barrio/East Harlem Holiday Tree Lighting

When: December 10th, 6:30 p.m.

Where: 106th Street and 3rd Avenue

 

Policy Conference on Puerto Rican Social Conditions

When: December 10th, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Where: Hunter College School of Social Work, 129 East 79th Street (@ Lexington Ave)

Will cover issues of education, criminal justice, health/mental health care, and economic opportunity.  For more information, contact Professor Morin at jmorin at jjay.cuny.edu.

 

Christmas Market at Pleasant Village Community Garden

When: December 11th, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and December 12th, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Pleasant Avenue between 118th and 119th Streets

Both new and used items, arts and crafts, food and great prices.  All proceeds will go to garden beautification.

 

Art for Change Holiday Artisan Fair

When: December 11th-12th, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Art for Change Gallery, 1699 Lexington Avenue, Lower Level

Free admission.  Features unique wares from emerging artists.  Come support local East Harlem artists!

 

Los Pleneros de la 21 Presents La Gran Fiesta Navideña

When: December 12th, 3:00 p.m.

Where: Taino Towers' Crystal Room, 240 E. 123rd Street, 4th Floor

$15 Entrance.  Discounts provided.  

 

Havana in Harlem, A Fundraiser for the Cuban Five

When: Saturday, December 18th, 7:00 p.m.

Where: St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 521 W. 126th Street (between Amsterdam and Broadway)

$10 suggested donation.  No one will be turned away for lack of funds.  Proceeds will go to an international campaign which aims to buy a full page ad in Washington Post in support of the release of the Cuban Five.

 

"An Upper West Side Christmas"

When: December 18th, 5:00 p.m.

Where: St. Michael's Church, Amsterdam Ave & W. 99th St
Free. For more information, contact 212-222-2700.  Concert with Children's choirs followed by neighborhood Christmas party.

 

Posadas y Pastorelas: 7th Annual Mexican Family Celebration

When: Sunday, December 19th, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Where: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue (@ 104th Street)

Presented by Mano a Mano.  An afternoon of Mexican crafts, music and food.  Free with museum admission.

 

Christmas Breakfast

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 164 W. 100 Street 

When: December 25th, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

For more information, contact 212-222-7045.

 

New Year's Eve Concert for Peace 

When: December 31st, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Cathedral of St. John, Amsterdam Ave & W. 112th Street

For more information, contact 212-316-7490.

 

To have a local event featured in our Upcoming Events section, please send an email to newsfrommelissa at gmail.com with the information.  Event info sent to other addresses may not be published in the newsletter.

 

This is only a selection of local events.  Additional events in our district can be found at http://www.eastharlempreservation.org/docs/events.htm (El Barrio/East Harlem) and http://www.columbusamsterdambid.org/events (the West Side).

 

 

Getting Involved

 

District 8 Youth Council

 

The Youth Council provides a wonderful opportunity for the community's youth (ages 13 and up) to take part in local politics in their surrounding community. Young people become involved with local entities that handle youth related issues such as; the Youth & Education Committee meetings of Community Board 11 so as they can see the importance of local politics both to the Community and to themselves. The youth are currently working on a video project to compete in the New York Civil Liberties Union "Freedom of Expression: What is the Change You Believe In?" contest.  The District 8 Youth Council meets on Tuesdays and Thursday from 5pm - 6pm weekly. For more information contact Elsie Encarnacion at 212-828-9800.

 

The Youth Violence Task Force

 

Unfortunately, we are experiencing a rise in violence in the El Barrio/East Harlem community, particularly among our youth.  Melissa has created the East Harlem/ El Barrio Youth Violence Task Force in response to the increase in violence among youth. The task force has been meeting for over a month and we hope you all will join in and be a part of this movement going forward. Only through working together will this issue be at the forefront of our community's priorities. Below is some information on our task force.  If you are interested in being on our listserv, please send an e-mail to eencarnacion at council.nyc.gov and you will be added immediately.  To read more about the Task Force visit http://wp.me/pJ9TG-qb.

 

Anti-Displacement Task Force

 

The Task Force is a body comprised of Community Based Organization (CBOs), tenants, activists, advocates and elected officials who collectively work, as a community, to confront ruthless landlords, investors, and developers that are attempting to displace members of our community. Their work brings visibility to the housing crisis through community forums, marches, rallies and other initiatives. I am right behind their efforts to empower tenants and community members by providing information and a local support network. To inquire about the next meeting call Elsie Encarnacion at 212-828-9800.

 

Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force

 

Harlem African Burial Ground Task Force is a group of concerned citizens who have united to help the Elmendorf Reformed Church (ERC) to restore and memorialize its historically and culturally significant colonial African Burial ground at 1st Avenue, between 126th and 127th Streets. ERC was established in 1660. In 1665, the First Church of Harlem, also known as the Dutch Reformed Church of Harlem (ERC), erected a church building at the corner of First Avenue and 127th Street, and a quarter acre of land connected with the church was set aside and became known as the "Negro Burying Ground" (hereafter called the African Burial Ground).   To learn more, or join and help, please contact: Deborah Gibson at 

(212) 534-5856 or dig1214 at aim.com.

 

 

District Office Information

 

105 East 116th Street

New York NY, 10029

 


Office Hours


 

Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

Note that Constituent Walk-In Days fall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 6:00pm, as well as Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.  No appointment is necessary.  

 

Upcoming West Side Office Hours

 

December 20th from 2pm to 4pm

991 Amsterdam Ave (btwn. W 108th and W 109th Streets)

 

Upcoming South Bronx Office Hours

 

December 15th and 29th from 2pm to 4pm

283 Saint Ann's Avenue

 

 

To unsubscribe from our listserv, please send an email to newsfrommelissa at gmail.com with 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line.  You will be promptly removed from our list.


 


 

 

 

 

 

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